WWE Backlash PPV Predictions: The Return Of The Dual Brand PPVs

With the Backlash PPV coming up this Sunday, it will mark the first WWE PPV since Wrestlemania 34, and will also be a return to dual branded PPVs. With both brands throwing their best at each months PPVs, the WWE looks to improve on a strong card the showcased at Wrestlemania and the Greatest Royal Rumble.

Backlash will feature nine matches including the recently added kick-off show match of Bailey vs Ruby Riott, what may be the final showdown between Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns, and a No DQ WWE Title match between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura.

Here’s a rundown of all the matches and our predictions:

Bayley vs. Ruby Riott (Backlash Kickoff Match)

After the Riott Squad has launched countless attacks on both Bayley and Sasha Banks, Bayley finally gets a chance to exact some revenge on the leader of the Riott Squad, Ruby Riott. We know Squad members Liv Morgan and Sara Logan will ready in case Ruby needs assistance, but with Sasha and Bayley be able to put their problems with each other to the side to battle a common enemy? We Shall see.

Prediction: Ruby (Kevin G.), Ruby (Patrick)

US Championship: Jeff Hardy (C) vs. Randy Orton

Randy Orton captured his first US Title at WWE Fastlane, only to lose it promptly at Wrestlemania 34 to Jinder Mahal. Orton quick got a rematch, but because of the superstar shake-up, Jinder was moved to Monday Night Raw where he dropped the title to Jeff Hardy upon his arrival. Hardy has since joined SmackDown an will now defend his newly won prize against a hungry viper who can strike at any time, as Jeff learned on the last episode of SmackDown Live.

Prediction: Orton (Kevin G.), Hardy (Patrick)

Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax (C) vs. Alexa Bliss

Little Miss Bliss had an amazing 2017, and 2018 was starting off perfectly until her longtime friend Nia Jax realized that she was being used. After a backstage video exposed Alexa’s true feelings about Nia, Jax set out to take away the thing that meant the most to Bliss, the Raw Women’s Championship. At Wrestlemania, Jax did just that, showing Bliss that sometimes being stronger does make all the difference. After the loss, Bliss looked to continue to embarrass her former friend through a series of anti-bullying “PSAs”, but this Sunday, the fun, and games are over and they have to settle it in the ring.

Prediction: Nia Jax (Kevin G.), Nia Jax (Patrick)

Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins(C) vs. The Miz

Seth Rollins ended The Miz attempt at having the longest Intercontinental Championship reign ever when he defeated Miz and Finn Balor in a triple threat at Wrestlemania 34. He defended it one again at the Greatest Royal Rumble, provide one on the most amazing finishes ever to a ladder match. Then on Raw, Seth fended off a one on one challenge from Balor. Can Seth keep up the amazing victories, or will The Miz be able to take advantage of a battered and beaten Rollins to get his record tying ninth IC title reign?

Prediction: Rollins (Kevin G.), Rollins (Patrick)

Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

Arguable the two strongest members of the Raw roster will take on two of the most devious on the roster. Braun and Bobby have strength and speed, but the former Universal Champion Kevin Owens and his best friend Sami Zayn aren’t pushovers. Will team Yep! get their first major victory since returning to Raw, or will they “Get These Hands” and be dominated?

Prediction: Owens/Zayn (Kevin G.), Braun/Bobby (Patrick)

Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass

On March 20, 2018, Big Cass got the news he was waiting on. He was finally cleared to return to the ring. He should have been happy, but the 7 foot tall giant was over shadowed by the announcement of the return of some other guy. That guy being Daniel Bryan. While Bryan’s comeback netted him a huge Wrestlemania 34 match, Cass sat at home waiting. As the anger built up, Cass finally got his chance to let loose when he was sent to SmackDown Live as park of the Superstar Shakeup. While Bryan was involved in yet another epic match, the big guy made his presence felt with a big boot to the face. After weeks of attacks, both physically and verbally, Cass and Bryan will finally settle their difference in the ring.

Prediction: Bryan (Kevin G.), Big Cass (Patrick)

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Carmella(C) vs. Charlotte Flair

The Queen was feeling good after conquering Asuka’s streak at Wrestlemania 34, but Charlotte wasn’t ready for the SmackDown Live debut f the IIconics. After Billie Kay and Peyton Royce left their mark, Carmella hit the ring, MiTB case in hand, and left the ring with the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Can Carmella continue her reign as the Princess of SmackDown Live, or will the Queen reclaim her throne?

Prediction: Carmella (Kevin G.), Charlotte via DQ (Patrick)

Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe

Roman is having a rough month, losing twice to Brock Lesnar in title matches. After failing to capture the biggest prize on Raw, he now has a returning Samoa Joe to deal with. With no love loss between Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns, there is no telling how much destruction will occur when they once again lock horns. Who will emerge in one piece?

Prediction: Roman (Kevin G.), Samoa Joe (Patrick)

WWE Championship: AJ Styles(C) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (No DQ Match)

What started has a healthy rivalry between friends has turned into a vicious, hateful feud. AJ won the dream match against Shinsuke at Wrestlemania 34, and it did not go down well with the challenger. Since the loss, Nakamura has attacked Styles family jewels over and over again. A rematch at the Greatest Royal Rumble did nothing to end the feud as they battled to a double count-out. In their third match, it is all but guaranteed to have a winner as there are no DQs.